Kathy Burrill is the food service director for Chisago Lakes Area Schools, located in Lindstrom, Minnesota. She has been involved in student nutrition programs for more than twenty-five years, since 1986. She is enthusiastic and impassioned about school nutrition and truly loves her job. Her philosophy of “life-long learning” has also led her to become a certified trainer with the School Nutrition Association and her state School Nutrition Association as well. She conducts several classes per year focusing on all aspects of working in food service including sanitation and food safety, student nutrition, communications, interpersonal skills and marketing. She has been actively involved with the School Nutrition Association, serving on several committees, and also as the Midwest Regional Director. She has also held several positions with the Minnesota School Nutrition Association, and served as President for 2003 – 2004.
Kathy started a food recycling program in Chisago Lakes, sending food waste and scraps to a local pig farm. She believes in sustainability and green initiatives and works hard to implement them in her food service department. She has also implemented a very successful farm-to-school program working with local farmers to provide a wide variety fresh fruits and vegetables for the students in Chisago Lakes. She introduced a cycle menu, which is printed for families each August to put on the refrigerator at home.
Kathy is certified and credentialed through the School Nutrition Association and has an A.A.S. degree from Century College.